Bachelor of Environmental Planning

The Bachelor of Environmental Planning (BEP) is a professionally recognised specialist degree that will set you up for a career in a planning related field. Note: This qualification is offered subject to approval by the NZVCC's Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP).

BEP Benefits

• Specialist planning degree
• Meets industry demands for people appropriately qualified in environmental planning
• Extensive job opportunities upon graduating
  
• Leads to a Masters in Environmental Planning
  

If you care about the environmental and are interested in making a difference to the world we live in, then the Bachelor of Environmental Planning is the degree for you.

The Bachelor of Environmental Planning is a 4-year degree where you will deepen and broaden your knowledge about the natural work and human use of the natural environment.  The programme aims to give students the knowledge and skills that are needed to make sure that New Zealanders use their natural resources with care and with as little harm as possible. You will learn the latest knowledge and ideas about sustainable development and an ethic of care for our environment.

Because environmental problems usually include a human aspect as well as a natural element, the Bachelor of Environmental Planning involves papers from the subjects of Biology, Economics, Political Science, Earth Science and Geography, plus Environmental Ethics.

Specialisations

Within the BEP, pathways lead to a number of specialisations.

The Environmental Science and Resource Planning pathway will appeal to those who wish to work in regional councils or in environmental organisations and has three specialisations:

• Coastal and Marine Environments;
• Freshwater Environments;
• Terrestrial Environments.

The Socio-Economic Policy and Planning pathway will appeal to those interested in more policy-oriented positions and also has three specialisations:

• Society, Politics and the Environment;
• Environmental Economics;
• Public Policy and the Environment.

Details of the specialisation requirements can be obtained from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Practical Experience

Students gain practical experience through the programme. There is also opportunity to undertake work placements, where you gain practical experience in applying what you have learnt. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers work placements at 200 and 300 level.

Majors

Environmental Planning

Entry Requirements

If you have New Zealand University Entrance, you will be guaranteed admission to this degree. All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarships

The Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship.

For more information, visit www.waikato.ac.nz/scholarships

Degree Structure

The BEP requires four years of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study.

Requirements:

• Students are required to pass a total value of 480 points;
• At least 360 points must be above 100 level, 160 points above 200 level and 80 points above 300 level;
• Students must complete the requirements of the major in Environmental Planning and the compulsory papers for the degree;
• Students may complete a second major in any undergraduate major;
• To complete the requirements of a second major, students must gain 120 points above 100 level in that major, including 60 points above 200 level;
• A maximum of 80 points may be taken from subjects outside Environmental Planning;

Students may take a further 40 points from outside the field of the degree if they are completing a second major.